Senior Dental Assistant Salary in Rawlins, WY: $56,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of dental assistants working in Rawlins, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $56,629/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9091. Strip back Rawlins's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $59,112 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the experienced dental assistant salary in Rawlins, WY, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $45,016. However, those who achieve the highest compensation levels can earn up to $56,629, placing the city's top earners near the national average. The noticeable difference between the median salary and the top-tier earnings underscores the value of experience—those in the profession for over seven years will discern a significant financial reward. To attain these lucrative salary levels, dental assistants must focus on expanding their skill sets, seeking advanced certifications, and possibly specializing in essential areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics, which can lead to senior designations within the field.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rawlins
Experienced dental assistants at the top of the pay scale in Rawlins earn between $51,450 and $56,629 per year (2026 est.). This $20,940 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rawlins median of $45,016 sits 9.2% below the US median.
Top DA, CDA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rawlins | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,016 | $49,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,450 | $59,914 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $56,629 | $64,205 |
In Rawlins, experienced dental assistants (P90) earn 25.80% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Dental Assistant Pay in Rawlins
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY dental assistants with additional specialty certifications within the dental assisting field earn significantly above the $45,016 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rawlins employers.
Specialty Focus
Dental Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the dental assisting field in Rawlins command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,450–$56,629 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rawlins metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced dental assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured dental assistants in Rawlins with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Dental Assistants in Wyoming who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Dental Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Rawlins
Clinical Dental Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Dental Assistant
5-10 yearsDental Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRawlins ranks #3 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner dental assistant salary (90th percentile: $56,629).
Top 10% dental assistant compensation in Rawlins ($56,629) is 2.23% above the Wyoming average P90 ($55,393).
2019 BLS Actual
$50,213
2025 BLS Actual
$54,905
2026 Current Est.
$56,629
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,213 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,215 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,905 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,407 | Projected |
Top-earning dental assistants (90th percentile) in Rawlins saw their compensation grow 9.3% from $50,213 in 2019 to $54,905 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.14% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $58,407 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Dental Assistant Earnings in Rawlins
Senior dental assistants in Rawlins can significantly enhance their pay by pursuing specialized roles such as expanded function dental assistants (EFDA) or treatment coordinators, where demand is rising. Compensation can vary widely depending on the type of employer—those working in pediatric dental offices or orthodontic practices often enjoy richer benefits and higher pay than general dental practices. Career advancement opportunities also abound, with paths leading to roles such as clinical coordinator in DSO chains or practice administrator, which can influence salary scales. Obtaining credentials from recognized bodies such as DANB can further boost earning potential. Various specialty qualifications, including radiology certification and expanded functions, play an increasing role in elevating overall pay, especially as the dental field continues to evolve with DSO chain growth and changes in scope of practice regulations in Wyoming.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced dental assistants make in Rawlins in 2026?
What drives higher dental assistant pay in Rawlins?
What certifications boost dental assistant salary in Rawlins?
Can experienced dental assistants make six figures in Rawlins?
How much does dental assistant salary increase over time in Rawlins?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $54,905 for dental assistants in the Rawlins metro area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov